Detection of usage of a physical environment

ABSTRACT

Methods, systems, and apparatuses may provide for the auto-determination of partial usage of a physical environment and use derived intelligence to take various actions. This may allow for partial resulting maintenance of the physical environment based on a single use or use over time.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/861,945 filed on Jul. 11, 2022, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/709,720 filed on Dec. 10, 2019 (now U.S.Pat. No. 11,416,878). All sections of the aforementioned application areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Some localization technologies are directed at determining the presenceof a device or user within a virtual perimeter of a given geographicallandscape. The virtual boundaries of the virtual perimeter can be usedfor various applications such as asset management and tracking,automatic house arrest monitoring systems, and location based targetedadvertising. Yet the adaptability and use of such virtual perimeters maybe improved. This disclosure is directed to addressing issues in theexisting technology.

This background information is provided to reveal information believedby the applicant to be of possible relevance. No admission isnecessarily intended, nor should be construed, that any of the precedinginformation constitutes prior art

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and apparatuses that provide forthe auto-determination of partial usage of a physical environment anduse derived intelligence to take various actions. This may allow forpartial resulting maintenance of the physical environment based on asingle use or use over time.

In an example, an apparatus may include a processor and a memory coupledwith the processor that effectuates operations. The operations mayinclude detecting a mobile device in proximity to a physicalenvironment, the physical environment is virtually divided into aplurality of sub-environments; based on the detecting of the mobiledevice in proximity to the physical environment, activating sensorswithin the physical environment; obtaining usage information of thephysical environment based on sensor data from the sensors; based on theusage information, determining a usage pattern within the physicalenvironment of a user associated with the mobile device; and based onthe usage pattern, managing one or more interactions associated with afirst sub-environment of plurality of sub-environments of the physicalenvironment.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore,the claimed subject matter is not limited to limitations that solve anyor all disadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system for detection of usage ofphysical environment.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary method for detection of usage ofphysical environment.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary output of a system for detection ofusage of a physical environment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic of an exemplary network device.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary communication system that provideswireless telecommunication services over wireless communicationnetworks.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and apparatuses that provide forthe auto-determination of partial usage of a physical environment anduses that derived intelligence to take various actions. This may allowfor partial resulting maintenance of the physical environment based on asingle use or use over time.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system for detection of usage ofphysical environment 110. System 100 may include multiple devices, suchas mobile device 101, mobile device 102, sensor 112, sensor 122, sensor132, or environment usage monitor (EUM) 104 that may be communicativelyconnected with each other using wireless, wireline, or network 103. EUM104 (e.g., a server) may manage detection, assessment, and alertsassociated with physical environment 110. Mobile device 101 or mobiledevice 102 may be associated with user 105. Mobile device 102 may be asmart watch and mobile device 101 may be a smartphone. It iscontemplated that mobile device 101 or mobile device 102 may includewireless devices, such as portable digital assistants (PDAs), laptopcomputers, tablet devices, smart phones, smart watches, smart glasses,autonomous or unmanned vehicles, augmented reality devices, virtualreality devices, or the like.

Physical environment 110 includes room 111, room 121, and room 131,which may include multiple sensors or other devices, such as sensor 112,sensor 120, sensor 122, or sensor 132. Physical environment 110 may be arental unit such as a house, a museum, a concert venue, a sports stadiumor arena, school, office, or any number of other places. As shown, thephysical environment 110 may be divided into sub-environments (e.g.,sub-environment 113—sub-environment 117, sub-environment 123, andsub-environment 124). As disclosed in more detail herein, EUM 104 mayuse information associated with the sub-environments in determiningusage of physical environment 110 and directing the management ofinteractions of physical environment 110. Lines 118 and line 119 showexemplary paths that user 105 may take through physical environment 110during a first period (e.g., hour or day). Line 118 may be based oninformation captured by one or more devices, such as mobile device 101,mobile device 102, sensor 112, or sensor 120 (e.g., motion sensors orbeacons), among other things. In an example, line 118 may be based on anaverage over time of obtained information from the one or more devices.The sensors (e.g., sensor 120) may include an environmental sensor,acoustic sensor, sound sensor, vibration sensor, fluid sensor, opticalsensor, position sensor (e.g., accelerometer or gyroscope), speedsensor, chemical sensor, pressure sensor, camera, or the like. Sensor120 may be substantially integrated into an object (e.g., a camera ortelevision) or may be a stand-alone device.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary method for detection of usage ofphysical environment. At step 141, mobile device 102 may be detected inproximity (e.g., within 50 feet) to physical environment 110. User 105may have mobile device 102 (or mobile device 101), such as a smartphone,smartwatch, or token or other holdable, wearable, or implantable mobiledevice. User 105 may also have an interface to mobile device 102 using avirtual assistant that communicates with the user via a speech, visual,or audible interfaces. At step 142, responsive to detecting mobiledevice 102 in proximity to physical environment 110, activating sensors(e.g., sensor 112 or sensor 120) within physical environment 110. Thesensors may have been in sleep mode or the like and then awakened basedon the proximity of mobile device 102. In addition, sensors withinmobile device 102 that are not in use may be activated, such as acamera, accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, GPS, proximity sensor,pedometer, thermometer, air humidity sensor, or microphone (e.g., forvirtual assistant), among other things. It is contemplated that based onthe profile of the device/user the sensors may not be activated ordifferent sensors may be activated. For example, the owner that is justdoing a general inspection may not wish to be tracked. In anotherexample, if the sensor is a camera, then the camera may be deactivatedwhen a tenant is occupying physical environment 110 but activated whenhousekeeping is inside physical environment 110. In another example,heating and cooling may be activated when a tenant is occupying orproximate to physical environment 110 but deactivated when housekeepingis inside physical environment 110. Further to this housekeepingexample, if how long housekeeping is there is tracked, it may tie totheir hourly rate and provide transparency into billing or which areaswere most dirtied or otherwise disturbed. The time spent maintaining maydirectly map to a user's bill if their usage is determined to be acorrelated. Charging based on usage may incur additional fees based onclean up time. This may be particularly useful in environments likehotels where optimization at scale is beneficial.

With continued reference to FIG. 2 , at step 143, obtain usageinformation about physical environment 110, which may include the usageof physical environment 110 by user 105. The usage information aboutphysical environment 110 may be obtained from at least the activatedsensors of step 142. The movement of user 105 may be tracked (e.g., asrepresented by line 118 and line 119). Other usage information aboutphysical environment 110 may include user 105 smoking for a period insub-environment 115, user 105 sitting for a period in sub-environment115, user 105 standing for a period in sub-environment 115, user 105quickly (or slowly) walking through sub-environment 115, or user 105interacting with an object (e.g., television, oven, table, chair, lamp,painting, or computer) in sub-environment 115, among other things. Atstep 144, based on the usage information obtained at step 143,determining usage patterns for physical environment 110 over a period(e.g., minutes, hours, or days). The usage patterns may be based onintensity of the use that may include the frequency of use incombination with the usage information above. Frequency of use may bebased on primarily the number of times user 105 is withinsub-environment 113. Intensity of use may include frequency of use amongother information, such as user 105 interaction with an object, user 105sitting, user 105 standing, user 105 laying, user 105 exercising, user105 smoking, weather (e.g., rain may increase likelihood of mud on userfootwear), or number of users, among other things. The frequency of usemay allow for automated ordering of supplies. For example, frequentlyvisiting the fridge, bathroom, pantry, coffee pot, among other thingsmay cause for respective ordering of refrigerated foods, toilet paperand towels, snack foods, coffee, or the like. The determined usagepattern may include a usage level (e.g., 90 out of 100) or a usage path(e.g., line 118 and line 119).

With continued reference to FIG. 2 , at step 145, generating report ofthe usage pattern of physical environment 110. The report may includenumerical or text data about usage patterns (e.g., usage level or path)or a graphical (e.g., heat map) indication of usage patterns in eachphysical environment, room, or sub-environment (see FIG. 3 which isdiscussed in more detail below). It is contemplated that the determinedusage patterns may be filtered based on a particular user(s), a group ofusers, time, date, weather, sensor used (e.g., sensor 120 or sensor112), or user 105 profile (e.g., user city, state, age, hobbies, etc.),among other things. At step 146, sending a message based on thedetermined usage pattern. The message may be to a maintenance or acleaning service and the message may indicate areas of physicalenvironment 110 that the maintenance or cleaning service should focus on(e.g., sub-environment 114 or sub-environment 117). In another example,the message may be sent based on the usage pattern (e.g., usage level)reaching a threshold usage level. For instance, if usage level of room111 reached 90 (out of 100), then a message may be sent to a cleaningservice to clean before its scheduled timeframe. If the level is 90 overan extended period, then a message may be sent to replace all or part ofa carpet or other object (e.g., automated ordering as disclosed herein).In another example, the message may be sent to an unmanned or autonomousvehicle, such as robot vacuum, robot floor scrubber, or other robotcleaning machine. The robot cleaning machine may traverse the usage pathor the indicated sub-environments that reach a threshold usage level.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary output of a system for detection ofusage of a physical environment. As shown, physical environment 100 mayinclude room 111, room 121, and room 131, which have grid lines thatdivide them into sub-environments, such as sub-environment113—sub-environment 117, sub-environment 123, or sub-environment 124,among others. User 105 may carry mobile device 101 and mobile device102. Based on mobile device 101, mobile device 102, and other sensors,the usage pattern of user 105 may be determined. Table 1 provides theusage patterns for each sub-environment illustrated in FIG. 3 . In thisexample, usage by user 105 was observed in some sub-environments of room111 and room 121, but no usage was observed in room 131. Therefore, inthis instance, room 131 (and the objects within) may be cleaned orotherwise maintained (replace light bulbs or empty trash) lessfrequently than room 111 or room 121.

Disclosed in more detail below are additional aspects and furtherconsiderations associated with detection of usage of physicalenvironment. As disclosed herein, profile information of user 105 (ormobile device 102) may be shared when mobile device 102 (or user 105) isdetected. This profile information may be used to relate the obtaineddata to user 105 or mobile device 102. In an example, physical presenceof user 105 may be detected within room 111 and sub-environment 114.This may be detected via location data sent from mobile device 102 toEUM 104 and associated with profile information of user 105 which mayinclude user ID, time data, or historical usage patterns of user 105. Inanother example, sensor 120 may detect motion and the profileinformation of user 105 on their device or biometric data to identifyuser 105 and send the user ID, location, or time data to EUM 104. Therecord may be made at EUM 104 that the user has begun use of room 111and sub-environment 114 within it. The usage pattern of room 111 orsub-environment 114 may include recorded movement into and out of room111 or sub-environment 114. EUM 104 may map the location of user 105into a virtual area.

In an example scenario, at the end of a stay of user 105 at physicalenvironment 110 (e.g., a rental property, museum, or school), EUM 104may determine the usage pattern and prepare a report. The report mayinclude a summary of how much time the user spent in eachsub-environment, room, or the like. Based on the report, actions may betaken by EUM 104 or mobile device 102. For example, an action may be tosend a message to mobile device 102 of user 105 to confirm that thedetermined usage pattern or other report information is accurate formaintenance or billing purposes. For instance, EUM 104 may instruct abilling application to prorate the bill of user 105 so they are chargeda lesser amount.

Based on the usage pattern, which may be separated by user, then a billmay be prorated or divided up between users, or a use of a facility(e.g., shared office space) may be charged based on the usage pattern(e.g., time, intensity, or frequency) rather than a flat rate. In anexample scenario, user 105 may be charged for only the pieces of artthat they observe in a museum. The observation by user 105 of a piece ofart may be determined by proximity of mobile device 102 to a beacon,allowing, for instance, user 105 to be charged for observing the MonaLisa and the Venus de Milo (which may be at sub-environment 123 andsub-environment 124, respectively), but not Winged Victory at theLouvre, which may be in room 131. The observations of user 105 may alsobe determined by line of sight estimation techniques, or data frommobile device 101 (e.g., smart eyeglasses or contact lenses). It iscontemplated that a combination of sensor information may be used todetermine the location and actions of user 105.

In another scenario, the line of sight of user 105 may be used todetermine what advertisements user 105 sees, for instance at a sportsstadium. The line of sight of user 105 towards an advertisement displaymay be determined via mobile device 101 (e.g., smart glasses,smartphones, or contacts) or via line-of-sight estimation techniques.The period of time of the observation may also be recorded. User 105 mayreceive a credit for their observation of the advertisement from anadvertisement application. This credit may be sent to mobile device 102and may be recorded in an electronic wallet on mobile device 102. Viamobile device 102, user 105 may be notified frequently or notified inreal-time of usage pattern or running tally of charges or credits basedon usage of physical environment 110 by user 105. In another scenarioassociated with the sports stadium (or the like) venue, the system fordetection of usage of a physical environment may be used to implement aseat roaming system. There may be a determination that ticket holderswith premium seats (e.g., club access) are not being used by thehalf-way mark of a game. Based on that determination, a message may besent to users with less desirable seats to purchase roaming access forthe premium seats. In this way, the venue may be able to furthercapitalize on the premium seats and user 105 may be able to upgradehis/her experience.

In another scenario, EUM 104 may detect an attempt by user 105 to use aportion of physical environment 110 but not bill for it if it was notdesirable for it to be used. For example, if user 105 is detected to beat an outdoor pool location at a hotel at 5:45 pm and then leaves at5:50 pm, EUM 104 may compare this record with weather data collected atthe time proximate to the location of physical environment 110. EUM 104may determine that there was a lightning strike nearby at 5:50 pm andsend a message to a billing application to remove a charge associatedwith the outdoor pool location from the bill or otherwise prorate thebill.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of network device 300 that may be connected toor comprise a component of system 100. Network device 300 may comprisehardware or a combination of hardware and software. The functionality tofacilitate telecommunications via a telecommunications network mayreside in one or combination of network devices 300. Network device 300depicted in FIG. 4 may represent or perform functionality of anappropriate network device 300, or combination of network devices 300,such as, for example, a component or various components of a cellularbroadcast system wireless network, a processor, a server, a gateway, anode, a mobile switching center (MSC), a short message service center(SMSC), an automatic location function server (ALFS), a gateway mobilelocation center (GMLC), a radio access network (RAN), a serving mobilelocation center (SMLC), or the like, or any appropriate combinationthereof. It is emphasized that the block diagram depicted in FIG. 4 isexemplary and not intended to imply a limitation to a specificimplementation or configuration. Thus, network device 300 may beimplemented in a single device or multiple devices (e.g., single serveror multiple servers, single gateway or multiple gateways, singlecontroller or multiple controllers). Multiple network entities may bedistributed or centrally located. Multiple network entities maycommunicate wirelessly, via hard wire, or any appropriate combinationthereof.

Network device 300 may comprise a processor 302 and a memory 304 coupledto processor 302. Memory 304 may contain executable instructions that,when executed by processor 302, cause processor 302 to effectuateoperations associated with mapping wireless signal strength. As evidentfrom the description herein, network device 300 is not to be construedas software per se.

In addition to processor 302 and memory 304, network device 300 mayinclude an input/output system 306. Processor 302, memory 304, andinput/output system 306 may be coupled together (coupling not shown inFIG. 4 ) to allow communications between them. Each portion of networkdevice 300 may comprise circuitry for performing functions associatedwith each respective portion. Thus, each portion may comprise hardware,or a combination of hardware and software. Accordingly, each portion ofnetwork device 300 is not to be construed as software per se.Input/output system 306 may be capable of receiving or providinginformation from or to a communications device or other network entitiesconfigured for telecommunications. For example, input/output system 306may include a wireless communications (e.g., 3G/4G/GPS) card.Input/output system 306 may be capable of receiving or sending videoinformation, audio information, control information, image information,data, or any combination thereof. Input/output system 306 may be capableof transferring information with network device 300. In variousconfigurations, input/output system 306 may receive or provideinformation via any appropriate means, such as, for example, opticalmeans (e.g., infrared), electromagnetic means (e.g., RF, Wi-Fi,Bluetooth®, ZigBee®), acoustic means (e.g., speaker, microphone,ultrasonic receiver, ultrasonic transmitter), or a combination thereof.In an example configuration, input/output system 306 may comprise aWi-Fi finder, a two-way GPS chipset or equivalent, or the like, or acombination thereof.

Input/output system 306 of network device 300 also may contain acommunication connection 308 that allows network device 300 tocommunicate with other devices, network entities, or the like.Communication connection 308 may comprise communication media.Communication media typically embody computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated datasignal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includesany information delivery media. By way of example, and not limitation,communication media may include wired media such as a wired network ordirect-wired connection, or wireless media such as acoustic, RF,infrared, or other wireless media. The term computer-readable media asused herein includes both storage media and communication media.Input/output system 306 also may include an input device 310 such askeyboard, mouse, pen, voice input device, or touch input device.Input/output system 306 may also include an output device 312, such as adisplay, speakers, or a printer.

Processor 302 may be capable of performing functions associated withtelecommunications, such as functions for processing broadcast messages,as described herein. For example, processor 302 may be capable of, inconjunction with any other portion of network device 300, determining atype of broadcast message and acting according to the broadcast messagetype or content, as described herein.

Memory 304 of network device 300 may comprise a storage medium having aconcrete, tangible, physical structure. As is known, a signal does nothave a concrete, tangible, physical structure. Memory 304, as well asany computer-readable storage medium described herein, is not to beconstrued as a signal. Memory 304, as well as any computer-readablestorage medium described herein, is not to be construed as a transientsignal. Memory 304, as well as any computer-readable storage mediumdescribed herein, is not to be construed as a propagating signal. Memory304, as well as any computer-readable storage medium described herein,is to be construed as an article of manufacture.

Memory 304 may store any information utilized in conjunction withtelecommunications. Depending upon the exact configuration or type ofprocessor, memory 304 may include a volatile storage 314 (such as sometypes of RAM), a nonvolatile storage 316 (such as ROM, flash memory), ora combination thereof. Memory 304 may include additional storage (e.g.,a removable storage 318 or a non-removable storage 320) including, forexample, tape, flash memory, smart cards, CD-ROM, DVD, or other opticalstorage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage orother magnetic storage devices, USB-compatible memory, or any othermedium that can be used to store information and that can be accessed bynetwork device 300. Memory 304 may comprise executable instructionsthat, when executed by processor 302, cause processor 302 to effectuateoperations to map signal strengths in an area of interest.

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a machine inthe form of a computer system 500 within which a set of instructions,when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethods described above. One or more instances of the machine canoperate, for example, as processor 302, mobile device 101, mobile device102, sensor 120, and other devices of FIG. 1 . In some examples, themachine may be connected (e.g., using a network 502) to other machines.In a networked deployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of aserver or a client user machine in a server-client user networkenvironment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed)network environment.

The machine may comprise a server computer, a client user computer, apersonal computer (PC), a tablet, a smart phone, a laptop computer, adesktop computer, a control system, a network router, switch or bridge,or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential orotherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. It will beunderstood that a communication device of the subject disclosureincludes broadly any electronic device that provides voice, video ordata communication. Further, while a single machine is illustrated, theterm “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machinesthat individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) ofinstructions to perform any one or more of the methods discussed herein.

Computer system 500 may include a processor (or controller) 504 (e.g., acentral processing unit (CPU)), a graphics processing unit (GPU, orboth), a main memory 506 and a static memory 508, which communicate witheach other via a bus 510. The computer system 500 may further include adisplay unit 512 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), a flat panel, ora solid state display). Computer system 500 may include an input device514 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device 516 (e.g., a mouse), adisk drive unit 518, a signal generation device 520 (e.g., a speaker orremote control) and a network interface device 522. In distributedenvironments, the examples described in the subject disclosure can beadapted to utilize multiple display units 512 controlled by two or morecomputer systems 500. In this configuration, presentations described bythe subject disclosure may in part be shown in a first of display units512, while the remaining portion is presented in a second of displayunits 512.

The disk drive unit 518 may include a tangible computer-readable storagemedium 524 on which is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g.,software 526) embodying any one or more of the methods or functionsdescribed herein, including those methods illustrated above.Instructions 526 may also reside, completely or at least partially,within main memory 506, static memory 508, or within processor 504during execution thereof by the computer system 500. Main memory 506 andprocessor 504 also may constitute tangible computer-readable storagemedia.

As described herein, a telecommunications system may utilize a softwaredefined network (SDN). SDN and a simple IP may be based, at least inpart, on user equipment, that provide a wireless management and controlframework that enables common wireless management and control, such asmobility management, radio resource management, QoS, load balancing,etc., across many wireless technologies, e.g. LTE, Wi-Fi, and future 5Gaccess technologies; decoupling the mobility control from data planes tolet them evolve and scale independently; reducing network statemaintained in the network based on user equipment types to reducenetwork cost and allow massive scale; shortening cycle time andimproving network upgradability; flexibility in creating end-to-endservices based on types of user equipment and applications, thus improvecustomer experience; or improving user equipment power efficiency andbattery life—especially for simple M2M devices—through enhanced wirelessmanagement.

While examples of a system in which usage of a physical environment canbe processed and managed have been described in connection with variouscomputing devices/processors, the underlying concepts may be applied toany computing device, processor, or system capable of facilitating atelecommunications system. The various techniques described herein maybe implemented in connection with hardware or software or, whereappropriate, with a combination of both. Thus, the methods and devicesmay take the form of program code (i.e., instructions) embodied inconcrete, tangible, storage media having a concrete, tangible, physicalstructure. Examples of tangible storage media include floppy diskettes,CD-ROMs, DVDs, hard drives, or any other tangible machine-readablestorage medium (computer-readable storage medium). Thus, acomputer-readable storage medium is not a signal. A computer-readablestorage medium is not a transient signal. Further, a computer-readablestorage medium is not a propagating signal. A computer-readable storagemedium as described herein is an article of manufacture. When theprogram code is loaded into and executed by a machine, such as acomputer, the machine becomes a device for telecommunications. In thecase of program code execution on programmable computers, the computingdevice will generally include a processor, a storage medium readable bythe processor (including volatile or nonvolatile memory or storageelements), at least one input device, and at least one output device.The program(s) can be implemented in assembly or machine language, ifdesired. The language can be a compiled or interpreted language and maybe combined with hardware implementations.

The methods and devices associated with a telecommunications system asdescribed herein also may be practiced via communications embodied inthe form of program code that is transmitted over some transmissionmedium, such as over electrical wiring or cabling, through fiber optics,or via any other form of transmission, wherein, when the program code isreceived and loaded into and executed by a machine, such as an EPROM, agate array, a programmable logic device (PLD), a client computer, or thelike, the machine becomes a device for implementing telecommunicationsas described herein. When implemented on a general-purpose processor,the program code combines with the processor to provide a unique devicethat operates to invoke the functionality of a telecommunicationssystem.

While the disclosed systems have been described in connection with thevarious examples of the various figures, it is to be understood thatother similar implementations may be used, or modifications andadditions may be made, to the described examples of a telecommunicationssystem without deviating therefrom. For example, one skilled in the artwill recognize that a telecommunications system as described in theinstant application may apply to any environment, whether wired orwireless, and may be applied to any number of such devices connected viaa communications network and interacting across the network. Therefore,the disclosed systems as described herein should not be limited to anysingle example, but rather should be construed in breadth and scope inaccordance with the appended claims.

In describing preferred methods, systems, or apparatuses of the subjectmatter of the present disclosure—detecting usage of a physicalenvironment—as illustrated in the Figures, specific terminology isemployed for the sake of clarity. The claimed subject matter, however,is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected.In addition, the use of the word “or” is generally used inclusivelyunless otherwise provided herein.

This written description uses examples to enable any person skilled inthe art to practice the claimed subject matter, including making andusing any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods.The patentable scope is defined by the claims, and may include otherexamples that occur to those skilled in the art.

Methods, systems, and apparatuses, among other things, as describedherein may provide for detecting usage of a physical environment. Amethod, system, computer readable storage medium, or apparatus mayprovide for detecting a mobile device in proximity to a physicalenvironment; based on the detecting of the mobile device in proximity tothe physical environment, activating sensors within the physicalenvironment; obtaining usage information of the physical environmentbased on sensor data from the sensors; based on the usage information,determining a usage pattern within the physical environment of a userassociated with the mobile device; and generating a report of the usagepattern of the user within the physical environment. The physicalenvironment may be virtually divided into a plurality ofsub-environments. the usage pattern may include a usage level of eachsub-environment of the plurality of sub-environments, wherein eachsub-environment may include a corresponding usage level. A method,system, computer readable storage medium, or apparatus may provide forbased on the usage pattern reaching a threshold usage level, sending amessage to a maintenance service to maintain a first sub-environment ofthe plurality of sub-environments. The usage pattern may include a usagepath through a plurality of sub-environments of the physicalenvironment. A method, system, computer readable storage medium, orapparatus may be based on the usage pattern indicating the usertraversing a threshold usage path, sending a message to a maintenanceservice to maintain a first sub-environment of the plurality ofsub-environments. The usage information may include whether the user wassmoking or interacting with an object, such as an appliance (e.g., oven,stove, or dishwasher). The usage pattern may be further determined bythe weather. A method, system, computer readable storage medium, orapparatus may provide for based on reaching a threshold usage level,managing one or more interactions associated with a sub-environment ofthe physical environment. The managing one or more interactions mayinclude sending an alert (e.g., message) to the mobile device (e.g.,smartwatch of a cleaning person), wherein the alert may includeinstructions for the user to proceed to a location (e.g., kitchen, trashreceptacle, hamper, dishwasher, washing machine) and place appropriateitems (e.g., trash, dishes, towels, or sheets) in the appropriatelocation (e.g., trash receptacle, hamper, dishwasher, washing machine).A method, system, computer readable storage medium, or apparatus providefor based on the usage pattern, managing one or more interactionsassociated with a first sub-environment of plurality of sub-environmentsof the physical environment. The usage pattern may include a usage pathof the user associated with the mobile device. The usage pattern mayinclude a usage level of each sub-environment of the plurality ofsub-environments. The managing of one or more interactions may includesending a message to an unmanned vehicle to maintain a firstsub-environment of the plurality of sub-environments. The managing oneor more interactions may include sending a message to the mobile device,wherein the message may include information associated with a fee formaintaining a first sub-environment of the plurality ofsub-environments. The sensors may include a camera. The sensors may befixed sensors in the physical environment or other sensors, which may beon the mobile device of the user traversing the physical environment.The managing one or more interactions may include generating a heat mapassociated with the usage pattern of the physical environment. It iscontemplated herein that the methods herein may be executed on EUM 104,mobile device 101, mobile device 102, or distributed among devicesthroughout a plurality of devices. A method, system, computer readablestorage medium, or apparatus may provide for detecting a mobile devicein proximity to a physical environment, the physical environment may bevirtually divided into a plurality of sub-environments; based on thedetecting of the mobile device in proximity to the physical environment,obtaining usage information of the physical environment based on sensordata from sensors; and based on the usage information, managing one ormore interactions associated with the user's usage of a firstsub-environment of plurality of sub-environments of the physicalenvironment. The managing one or more interactions may include sending amessage to an unmanned vehicle (e.g., unmanned aerial vehicle orautomobile that may drive autonomously) to maintain a firstsub-environment of the plurality of sub-environments. All combinationsin this paragraph (including the removal or addition of steps) arecontemplated in a manner that is consistent with the other portions ofthe detailed description.

What is claimed:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a processing systemincluding a processor; and a memory coupled with the processing systemand storing executable instructions that when executed by the processingsystem cause the processing system to perform operations comprising:obtaining intensity of usage information associated with a plurality ofmobile devices of a plurality of users according to a plurality ofsensor data collected according to a plurality of profiles associatedwith the plurality of users responsive to detecting the plurality ofmobile devices in proximity to a physical environment; managing aplurality of interactions associated with a plurality of usage instancesby the plurality of users of the plurality of mobile device in aplurality of sub-environments of the physical environment based on theintensity of usage information; sending an alert to maintain thephysical environment according to the intensity of usage information. 2.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the managing the plurality ofinteractions comprises sending a message to an unmanned vehicle.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the managing the plurality of interactionscomprises sending a message to a first mobile device of the plurality ofmobile devices, and wherein the message provides an offer for a firstuser of the plurality of users to upgrade seating in a venue.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the managing the plurality of interactionscomprises determining observations of a first user of the plurality ofusers based on a line of sight estimation technique.
 5. The apparatus ofclaim 4, wherein the line of sight estimation technique is used inconjunction with information from smart glasses.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 4, wherein the operations further comprise selecting anadvertisement for the first user of the plurality of users to view basedon the observations of the first user.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the operations further comprise detecting a first mobile deviceof the plurality of mobile devices in proximity to the physicalenvironment.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the operations furthercomprise determining a first user of the plurality of users of the firstmobile device.
 9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the sending thealert to maintain the physical environment according to the intensity ofusage information is based on a first intensity of usage informationassociated with the first mobile device.
 10. A system comprising: aplurality of mobile devices of a plurality of users; and a servercommunicatively connected with the plurality of mobile devices, theserver comprising: a processor; and a memory coupled with the processorand storing executable instructions that when executed by the processorcause the processor to effectuate operations comprising: obtainingintensity of usage information associated with the plurality of mobiledevices of the plurality of users according to a plurality of sensordata collected responsive to detecting the plurality of mobile devicesin proximity to a physical environment; and managing a plurality ofinteractions associated with a plurality of usage instances by theplurality of users of the plurality of mobile device in a plurality ofsub-environments of the physical environment based on the intensity ofusage information.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the obtaining theintensity of usage information is further according to a plurality ofprofiles associated with the plurality of users.
 12. The system of claim10, wherein the managing the plurality of interactions associated withthe plurality of usage instances comprises sending an alert to maintainthe physical environment commensurate with the intensity of usageinformation.
 13. The system of claim 10, wherein the managing theplurality of interactions comprises sending a message to a first mobiledevice of the plurality of mobile devices, and wherein the messageprovides an offer for a first user of the plurality of users to upgradeseating in a venue.
 14. The system of claim 10, wherein the operationsfurther comprise: detecting a first mobile device of the plurality ofmobile devices in proximity to the physical environment; and determininga first user of the plurality of users of the first mobile device. 15.The system of claim 14, wherein the managing the plurality ofinteractions further comprises sending an alert to maintain the physicalenvironment commensurate with first intensity of usage informationassociated with the first mobile device.
 16. A non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium storing computer executableinstructions that when executed by a computing device cause saidcomputing device to effectuate operations comprising: obtainingintensity of usage information associated with a plurality of mobiledevices of a plurality of users according to a plurality of sensor datacollected according to a plurality of profiles associated with theplurality of users; and managing a plurality of interactions associatedwith a plurality of usage instances by the plurality of users of theplurality of mobile device in a plurality of sub-environments of aphysical environment based on the intensity of usage information. 17.The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 16, whereinthe obtaining the intensity of usage information is responsive todetecting the plurality of mobile devices in proximity to the physicalenvironment.
 18. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium ofclaim 16, wherein the managing the plurality of interactions comprisessending an alert to maintain the physical environment commensurate withthe intensity of usage information.
 19. The non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium of claim 16, wherein the managing theplurality of interactions comprises sending a message to an unmannedvehicle.
 20. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium ofclaim 16, wherein the managing the plurality of interactions comprisessending a message to a first mobile device of the plurality of mobiledevices, and wherein the message provides an offer for a first user ofthe plurality of users to upgrade seating in a venue.